Discover how to conquer fear and anxiety while finding the inspiration to write your own success story! Join me and Stan Popovich in this must-listen episode for anyone seeking hope, mental health insights, and the power to overcome life's challenges.
In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, we welcomed Stan Popovich to talk about Fear, Anxiety & His Experience Writing a Book. Throughout the conversation, Stan shares valuable insights, personal experiences and practical advice related to managing fear, anxiety and the process of writing a book.
The episode begins with Stan highlighting the importance of understanding mental health issues like anxiety and depression. He emphasizes the need for empathy and support, especially when loved ones are struggling with these conditions. Stan suggests accompanying someone to counseling sessions as a way to foster understanding and empathy. Together, we stress that mental health should be viewed as a medical issue, just like physical health problems such as cancer or heart disease.
As the conversation unfolds, Stan provides guidance on accessing affordable mental health care. He recounts his own experiences, including the frustration of changing counselors frequently and facing long waiting lists for hospital programs. Stan advises seeking assistance from primary care physicians to explore low-cost mental health programs and support groups. We also recommend using online resources like therapy finders and therapist directories to find affordable options (check out the Mental Health Resources page if you aren't sure where to start!).
We also discuss the importance of seeking help for mental health challenges, even if it means sharing personal experiences with others. Stan encourages individuals to reach out to their clergy or local church communities, regardless of their religious affiliations, as many of these institutions are eager to provide resources and support.
The conversation shifts to self-help exercises for managing fear and anxiety. Stan emphasizes the effectiveness of deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness practices. These exercises offer immediate relief and are widely recognized for their therapeutic benefits.
We then switch to chatting about Stan's book-writing journey, and he shares the challenges he faced in refining techniques for managing fear and anxiety. He highlights the difficulty of selecting the right approach when different counselors offer varying advice. Stan acknowledges the importance of persistence in finding a suitable publisher, ultimately emphasizing that writing a book is an opportunity for self-reflection and therapeutic expression.
Stan's insights on prioritizing mental health while pursuing creative goals are particularly valuable. He underscores the need to address anxiety and stress promptly to prevent them from derailing one's creative pursuits.
Throughout the podcast, we both address the misconception that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of weakness. There is nothing wrong with seeking help, mental health challenges should be treated like any other medical issue. Stan advises individuals to prioritize their well-being and ignore those who might stigmatize or discourage them from seeking help.
In summary, this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart with Stan Popovich offers a wealth of insights into managing fear, anxiety and the writing process. Stan's personal experiences and practical advice provide valuable resources for those facing similar challenges. The episode encourages open conversations about mental health and emphasizes the importance of seeking help when needed, ultimately offering hope and support to listeners.
More about Stan: https://www.tacosfallapart.com/podcast-live-show/podcast-guests/stan-popovich